Understanding MEWP Type and Group Classification
Manually propelled aerial lifts, classified under ANSI A92, commonly referred to as push around or tow behind Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWP’s) are classified as Type 1, Group A (1A) for all vertical lifts and Type 1, Group B (1B) for all towable boom lifts.
MEWP Type is in Reference to Traveling
- Type 1 machines are manually propelled lifts that are only allowed to travel in the stowed position.
MEWP Group is Determined by Where the Platform Location is in Reference to the Tipping Line
- Group A machines are all vertically lifting models where the platform never extends beyond the tipping line.
- Group B machines are all boom lifts where the platform is designed to extend outside the tipping line.
An easy way to remember Group classification is all boom lifts are Group B.
Just remember B = boom, all vertically elevating machines are Group A.
These Machines are People Powered
There is no drive function on these lifts. They must be pushed or towed into position where work is needed. All manually propelled lifts have distinct advantages primarily related to their compact size, ease of transport, and lower cost. Let’s examine these advantages first for all manually propelled MEWP’s, then for specific Type and Group.
Advantages for All Classifications of Manually Powered Lifts
- Cost-Effectiveness: These are generally more economical to purchase or rent compared to their self-propelled counterparts.
- Easy to Transport: Their lightweight and compact design allows them to be easily moved between job sites and either stowed in a truck bed (1A) , or hitched to a vehicle (1B) which can save on delivery charges.
- Relatively Lightweight: There is no drive function on these machines which means there are no heavy drive motors making them ideal for use on surfaces that can only support limited loads.
- Simple Operation: The lifting mechanism is typically the only motorized component, making hands on familiarization training, and operation much easier.
- Safety: They provide a much safer, more stable platform with guardrails compared to using ladders or scaffolding, reducing the risk of falls and ergonomic injuries.
- Simple Maintenance: Because they have no drive train and fewer mechanical components, these machines typically require less frequent and less complex maintenance and repair.
Specific Advantages by Type and Group
Type 1 Group A (Manually Propelled Vertical/Mast Lifts):
- Ideal for Single Location Jobs: They are great for tasks that require the lift to be set up in a single location for the entire job but can easily be moved to alternate locations where additional work is needed.
- Compact: Their smaller stowed dimensions relative to larger and heavier self-propelled machines enable them to fit though single or double doorways. They can also go on some elevators depending on elevator load capacity.
- Easily Operated by a Single Person: They are simple machines that are easy for one person to move, set up and operate.
- Versatile: Common applications include indoor maintenance and construction, HVAC installation as well as janitorial work in offices, schools, hospitals and malls.
Type 1 Group B (Manually Propelled/Trailer-Mounted Boom Lifts):
- Horizontal Outreach: Compared to vertical lifts, (1B) tow behind boom lifts have the ability to extend the platform beyond the machine’s tipping line with the ability to reach up and over obstacles, allowing workers to perform tasks faster, more efficiently and at a significantly lower cost than self-propelled models.
- Towable: These machines can be easily towed behind an SUV or pickup truck eliminating delivery costs and logistics planning when moving to different job sites.
- Great for a Variety of Jobs: This design makes them highly versatile for a wide range of outdoor projects, including roof maintenance, exterior painting, and tree trimming.
Bottom Line
Manually propelled machines are by far safer than using a ladder and relatively lower cost to purchase or rent compared to similar self-propelled models.
